Google is continuing its Gemini for Home push with yet another major update.
Last week, we reported on Google’s big spring update for Google Home, which added a bunch of new features to Nest devices.
Now the company has issued another big update for Gemini for Home, which adds a number of further improvements to the AI-powered smart home experience.
Foundry
Here’s a rundown of what’s new in Google Home with app version 4.18, which is rolling out in Early Access now.
Granular weather forecasts
Following the latest update, weather query accuracy and visual-to-speech consistency have received a boost.
Temperature unit accuracy (in Celsius or Fahrenheit) has taken a step forward, while Google has also added additional nuance with hourly breakdowns. If you want to know whether it’ll rain at 2pm today, your Nest speaker will be able to help – both aurally and visually.
Bolstered video playback
You can now use natural language to browse video content on your smart display.
It’s now possible to stream your favourite music videos, launch recommended playlists, and trigger video search queries on YouTube using simple phrases.
TV and movie content can also be played via your chosen streaming service, all using natural voice commands, while volume control is now more conversational.
More fluid news responses
The way your Google smart speaker handles news should also be much more appealing from now on. Static broadcasts are out in favour of interactive narratives that conform to your interests.
It’s now possible to dive deeper into topics using conversational language, as well as initiate a custom News Brief based on your favoured sources.
Performance upgrades
Google also claims to have improved performance thanks to “several core infrastructure and model upgrades”.
Gemini should now be better at ignoring backdrop speech and understanding queries about news, media and your smart home camera set-up.
Managing your notes and lists should also be more responsive following the latest update.
After months of stagnation, Google’s smart home updates are now being delivered at a rapid pace. The latest enhancements come just in time for the launch of the Google Home Speaker, which could finally begin shipping this month.